Electrical connector

ABSTRACT

An electrical connector is composed of a pair of hermaphroditic connector members being of the identical structure and dimension and matable with each other. Each hermaphroditic connector member comprises a wire connecting portion at one end region, a fixing portion at a middle region and a mating portion at the other end region. The mating portion is of a tubular-like configuration, preferably of an ellipse-like configuration in section, and has two facing slots each of which extends in an axial direction of the mating portion from a tip end of said tubular-like mating portion to an approximately middle position of the mating portion. The tip portion of the tubular-like mating portion is divided by the slots into two semitubular-like portions. On an inner surface of one of the semitubular-like portion, an inwardly inclined spring tongue is provided. The structure and dimensions of the facing slots, the semitubular-like portion of the mating portion and the spring tongue are respectively predetermined to make the outer surface of the semitubular-like portion which is provided with the spring tongue closely contact the inner surface of another connector member&#39;&#39;s semitubular-like portion having no spring tongue when the mating portions of both hermaphroditic connector means are mutually inserted. The hermaphroditic connector means are housed in a casing and fixed thereto through the abovementioned fixing portions of the connector means.

United States Patent [191 Hirokawa et al.

[ Jan. 29, 1974 1 ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR [75] Inventors: Kazuaki Hirokawa, Tokyo; Tsugio Anbo, Tokorozawa, both of Japan [22] Filed: June 2, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 259,192

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data June 4, 1971 Japan 46-46205 Feb. 17, 1972 Japan 47-20142 Mar. 22, 1972 Japan 47-34401 [52] U.S. Cl 339/49 R, 339/176 M, 339/184 M, 339/217 S [51] Int. Cl H01! 25/00 [58] Field of Search 339/47-49, 176 M,

339/175 R, 256 SP, 256 R, 258 S, 258 R, 184,186,198 G, 217 R, 217 S, 64, 65, 66,

176 P, 176 MP [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,417,362 12/1968 Reynolds 339/258 S X 3,188,600 6/1965 Woofter et a1 339/47 R 3,259,870 7/1966 Winkler 4 339/49 R 2,335,843 11/1943 Rogoff 339/47 R X 3,083,345 3/1963 Scheller 339/47 R 3,054,979 9/1962 Buiting 339/49 R 3,550,069 12/1970 Teagno 339/256 SP 3,688,243 8/1972 Yamada et a1 339/49 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,358,394 3/1964 France 339/47 R 1,113,856 5/1968 Great Britain 339/258 S 966,887 8/1964 Great Britain 339/49 R Primary Examiner-Joseph H. McGlynn Assistant ExaminerTerrell P. Lewis Attorney, Agent, or Firm-W. G. Fasse [5 7] ABSTRACT An electrical connector is composed of a pair of hermaphroditic connector members being of the identical structure and dimension and matable with each other. Each hermaphroditic connector member comprises a wire connecting portion at one end region, a fixing portion at a middle region and a mating portion at the other end region. The mating portion is of a tubularlike configuration, preferably of an ellipse-like configuration in section, and has two facing slots each of which extends in an axial direction of the mating portion from a tip end of said tubular-like mating portion to an approximately middle position of the mating portion. The tip portion of the tubular-like mating portion is divided by the slots into two semitubularlik'e portions. On an inner surface of one of the semitubular-like portion, an inwardly inclined spring tongue is provided. The structure and dimensions of the facing slots, the semitubular-like portion of the mating portion and the spring tongue are respectively predetermined to make the outer surface of the semitubular-likeportion which is provided with the spring tongue closely contact the inner surface of another connector members semitubular-like portion having no spring tongue when the mating portions of both hermaphroditic connector means are mutually inserted. The herniaphroditic connector means are housed in a casing and fixed thereto through the abovementioned fixing portions of the connector means.

18 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrical connector more specifically, to an improved electrical connector composed of a pair of hermaphroditic connector members being of thesame structure and dimension and matable with each other with good electrical contact.

2. Description of the Prior Art;

Many types of the electrical paired connector members hermaphroditically applicable for various kind of electrical circuits, such as that of automobiles, electronic apparatus, etc. have been proposed. One of the typical prior art connector members is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application, published as Publication No. 3899/1965, filed Feb. 8, 1964 with a claim of priority, based on patent application filed in U.S.A., Feb. 8, 1963. Each of the electrical connector mem bers described in the referenced application basically comprises a portion of an inclined face portion for the mutual contact with that of another member, and a succeeding wire-connecting portion. The members, however, have many disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is that a pair of the members can not be employed without a casing mounting the respective members in mutual contact between their inclined face portions, since the members do not have any self-retaining function. Another disadvantage is that the voltage drop between paired connetor members is large, since the electrical contact is performed only through the inclined contact faces of the insufficient contact area therebetween.

Another prior art of the present invention is that described in the US. Pat. No. 3,146,05 l entitled Terminal And Mounting Means", issued August 25, 1964 to Robert C. Woofer et al. Each of the connector members disclosed in this referenced patent has a wire attaching portion on one side of a box-like middle portion and extended blade-like longitudinally-embossedfloor portion integral with an angularly deflectable spring tongue portion adapted to mate in locking engagement with that of another connector member. This connector member can be self-retained, but the contact area therebetween is so small that a considerable voltage drop thereacross may occur, because of the limited mutual insertion due to the presence of the box-like middle portion. To increase the mutual contact area results unavoidably in enlarged scale of the connector members. Furthermore, it is accompanied by a considerable difficulties due to its complicated configuration in its manufacture, as another disadvantage.

Still another prior art of interest is US. Pat. No. 3,169,814 issued to Joseph C. Collins, Feb. 16, 1965. Each of the .connector members disclosed in the referenced patent has two cylindrical portions attached to a central portion so as to extend parallel to each other, and one'of which has internal cross-sectional dimensions of substantially the same size as the external cross-sectional dimension of the other. This connector member may be mated to another connector member of the same configuration by the insertion of the smaller dimensioned portion into the portions of larger dimension of the other. In the connection of this referenced patent, the alignment in axis of these two pairs of tubular portions of the larger and smaller diameter is very important. It is, however, difficult to manufacture the connectors which are provided with such tubular portions precisely aligned. Furthermore, the connector member as disclosed, requires large force for the above inserting operation, because of the friction between the inner wall of the larger dimensioned portion and the outer wall of the smaller dimensioned portion in the course of insertion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, an electrical connector in accordance with the present invention is composed of a pair of her maphroditic connector members being of the identical structure and dimension and matable with each other. Each hermaphroditic connector member comprises a wire connecting portion at one end region, a fixing portion at a middle region and a mating portion at the other end region. The mating portion is of a tubularlike configuration, preferably of an ellipse-like configuration in section, and has two facing slots each extending in an axial direction of the mating portion from a tip end of said tubular-like mating portion to an approximately middle position of the mating portion. The tip portion of the tubular-like mating portion is divided by the slots into two semitubular-like portions. On an inner surface of one of the semitubular-like portions, an inwardly inclined spring tongue is provided. The structure and dimensions of the facing slots, the semitubular-like portion of the mating portion and the spring tongue are respectively predetermined to make the outer surface of the semitubular-like portion which is provided with the spring tongue closely contact the inner surface of another hermaphroditic connector members semitubular-likc portion having no spring tongue when the mating portions of both hermaphroditic connector means are mutually inserted. The hermaphroditic connector means are housed in a casing and fixed thereto through the abovementioned fixing portions of the connector means.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector composed of a pair of hermaphroditic connector members being of the identical structure and dimension and matable with each other by mutual insertion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector composed of hermaphroditic connector members which can be of reduced size and enlarged contact area.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector composed of a pair of hermaphroditic connector members matable with each other by mutual insertion with slight force but in a closer contact therebetween at an ultimate insertion condition.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector composed of a pair of hermaphroditic connector members matable with each other, which can be easily manufactured.

These objects and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 to 3 are a top view, a bottom view and a front view, respectively, of a hermaphroditic connector member for use in an electrical connector of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the connector member shown in FIGS. 1 to 3,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the connector member shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, along the lines V-V in FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a front view, partially in section, of the paired connector members in a mating condition,

FIG. 7 is a top view of the connector member having a conductor wire connected thereto,

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the connector member shown in FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a casing with the connector member housed therein,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the casing shown in FIG. 9,

FIGS. 11 to 14 are a front view, a rear view, a side view and a top view, respectively, of one of the hermaphroditic casings for use as a multiconnector, and

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the paired casing members, each housing the connector member, in a mating condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As described previously, the electrical connector of the present invention is composed of a pair of hermaphroditic connector members being of the identical structure and dimension. Therefore, the following explanation will be made only for a hermaphroditic connector member.

A detailed explanation of a preferred embodiment of a hermaphroditic connector member will be made with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The connector member 1 comprises a wire connecting portion 11 for connecting a wire, a fixing portion 10 for fixing the connector member 1 to a housing (not shown) and a mating portion 12.

The wire connecting portion 1 1 comprises a part 110 for holding the covered part of the wire, and a part 11b for holding the stripped wire part thereby to achieve the electrical connection with the wire. The detailed construction and design of these parts 11a and 11b, and the fixing and connecting with the wire are well known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The fixing portion 10 is preferably composed of a spring locking finger 15 which inclines rearwardly and outwardly from a base plate and a pair of engaging wings 14 which are mounted on both sides of the base plate. The spring locking finger serves to prevent the connector member from being disengaged from the casing when a backward tention is applied to the connector member 1 after it has been housed in the casing, as hereinafter described in detail. The engaging Wings 14 provide a function of preventing the connector member from further advancing in the casing from a predetermined position collaborating with a shoulder portion 33 of the casing (not shown but described hereinafter) and that of preventing the connector member from rotation movement in the casing at its mounted position. The mounting of the connector member 1 into the casing will he described later in more detail.

The mating portion 12 in accordance with the pres ent invention is of a tubular-like configuration, preferably of an ellipse-like configuration in section. The tubular mating portion 12 has two facing slots 121 each of which extends in an axial direction of the mating portion from a tip end of said mating portion to an approximate middle position of the mating portion. The tip portion of the tubularlike mating portion is divided by the slots into two semitubular-like portions. Therefore the tubular-like mating portion 12 is divided into a slotted portion and a non-slotted portion 12c. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the width (m) of the upper semitubular-like portion 12a is substantially the same as the width (l) of the non-slotted portion 12c, while the width (n) of the lower semitubular-like portion 12b is relatively narrower than the width (1) of the nonslotted portion 12c. The slot 121 is provided to allow mutual insertion of the tubular-like mating portions 12 of the paired connector members 1. Accordingly, it is desirable that the width of the slot 121 is formed so as to allow the easier mutual insertion of the paired connector members 1. The connector member 1 illustrated is shaped by punching and bending a conductive metal sheet. I

Each tubular-like portion 12 of the connector member 1 is provided with a straight slit extending from a tip end of the upper semitubular-like portion 12a to an other end of the upper part of the non-slotted portion 120. The slit serves to firm the mutual connection, as described later, of the paired connector members, since it gives the tubular-like portion 12 elasticity by which the tubular-like portion 12 mutually connected are tightly closed each other.

On the lower semitubular-like portion 12b is provided an inwardly inclined tongue spring 122 which ex-' tends from the middle portion of the lower portion 12b toward the fixing portion 10. The tongue spring 122 has such an structure and dimension as to be able to obtain a close contact between the tongue spring of one connector member and that of another connector member when these connector members are mutually inserted. If desired, the end portion of the tongue spring 122 may be bent downwardly, thereby to form a bent end portion 126. The end portion 128 of the lower semitubular-like portion 12b is slightly bent inwardly, and serves as a guide for the mutual insertion between a pair of these connector members.

The connector member-shown in FIGS. 1 to 5' may be used singly as an electrical connector without the employment of such a casing capable of mounting thereof, as described hereafter, though it may also be used with the casing. In FIG. 6, a connector member 1, shown in solid line, is matedwith another connector member 1 having the same configuration and dimension as the member 1, being turned on its axis with respect to the member 1 and shown in a two-point chain line. Both members 1 and 1' are mutually engaged in such a manner that the lower semitubuIar-like portions 12!) and 12b respectively are inserted into the corresponding tubular mating portions 12 and 12 of the members 1 and l and the tip of each of lower semitubular-like portions 12b and 12b respectively, reach the corresponding non-slotted portions 12c and 12c. The slots 121 and 121' at the both sides of the tubular-like mating portions 12 and 12' allow the mutual insertion thereof, and the insertion at the early stage may be carried out with little force, because of rough interlocking between the slots 121 and 121 As the insertion is advanced, the inclined surfaces of the tongue springs 122 and 122 of both members 1 and l are brought to contact each other, and the outer surface of the lower semitubular-like portions 12b and 12b are forced toward the inner surfaces of the upper semitubular-like portions 12a and 12a by the springand wedge-action of the tongue springs 122 and 122' which is caused by the above contact, respectively. In the stage toward the end of such insertion, the outer surfaces of the lower semi-tubular-like portions 121; and 12b are brought into contact with the inner surfaces of the upper semitubular-like portions 12a and 12a and the inclined surfaces of the tongue springs 122 and 122' are brought to a mutual closer contact against the spring-force thereof. In the ultimate insertion condition, the mutual contact between the tongue springs 122 and 122' is completed, while the elastic inclination of these tongue springs become maximum causing the maximum spring-force therebetween. Surface contacts with the whole outer surface of the lower semitubularlike portion 12b and the whole inner surface of the upper part of the opposite non-slotted portion 120, with the whole outer surface of the lower part of the non-slotted portion 120 and the whole inner surface of the opposite upper semitubular-like portion 12a, with the whole inner surface of the upper semitubular-like portion 12a and the whole outer surface of the lower part of the opposite non-slotted portion 12c, with the whole inner surface of the upper part of the non-slotted portion 120 and the whole outer surface of the opposite lower semitubular-like portion 12b, and with the whole inner surface of the tongue spring 122 and the whole inner surface of the opposite tongue spring 122' are accomplished under the above maximum springforce.

If the length of the bent end portions 126 and 126 of the tongue springs 122 and 122' is so chosen that the tip of the bent end portions 126 and 126 reaches the inner surface of the upper semitubular-like portions 12a and 12a at the ultimate mutual insertion condition, the maximum spring force aforementioned markedly increases.

However, such the situation in the bent end portions 126 and 126' is not always necessary, if the spring force of the tongue springs 122 and 122 is insufiiciently strong. The contact area of both members 1 and l in the ultimate insertion condition is substantially the sum of a half of the outer surface area and a half of the inner surface area of the tubular portion of one connector member and the contact region area between the tongue springs 122 and l22'jThus in accordance with the present invention, much better electrical contact can be achieved as compared with any prior art connector.

As described hereinbefore, both connector members 1 and l are mutually inserted until the tubes entirely and mutually overlap each other. Furthermore in the mutual insertion both connector members are put into closer contact by spring-force of the tongue spring and realizes stronger mechanical connection.

Now an example wherein the connector members of this invention are mounted in a casing is described hereinafter. Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the like parts in FIGS. 1 to 6 are designated by like reference characters. A covered portion 22 of a conductor wire 20 is retained by a retaining part 1111, and a stripped wire portion 21 thereof is retained by a retaining part 11!). A casing 3 which is provided with a recess 31 for receiving the connector member 1 is made of an insulating material, such as synthetic resin by usual method such as injection molding. A pair of the connector casings 3 can be hermaphroditically matable each other. On both side walls inside the recess 31 of the connector casing 3, grooves 32 for receiving the wing plate member 14 of connector member 1 are provided so as to extend from the rear end 3a of the connector casing 3 to an approximate middle portion of the connector casing 3. At the mounted condition of the connector member 1, the end face 141 of the wing plate member 14 abuts on the shoulder portion 33 of the groove 32. A projection portion 34 with which the front end 151 of the spring locking fingers 15 of the connector member 1 is engaged is provided on the bottom wall of the recess 31.

The wire 20 is connected to the connector member 1 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The connector member 1 is inserted from the rear end 3a of the connector casing 3 into the recess 31 of the connector casing 3. In such an insertion process, the wing plate member 14 of the connector member 1 is guided along the groove 32. The insertion of the connector member 1 into the recess 31 is stopped by the abutting of the end face 141 of the wing plate member 14 on the shoulder portion 33 of the groove 32, and, at the same time, the free end 151 side of the spring locking finger 15 springs out into the cavity 35 and hooks on the shoulder 34a of the projection portion 34, causing the firm engagement with connector member 1 and the casing 3.

1n the recess 31 of the connector casing 3, the movement of the connector member 1 toward the rear end 3a of the connector casing 3 is prevented by the engagement of the spring locking finger 15 and the projection portion 34, and the movement of the connector member 1 into the front end 311 of the connector casing 3 is prevented by the engagement of the end faces 141 and 141' of the wing plate member 14 and the shoulder portion 33 of the groove 32. Furthermore, the vertical and horizontal movementsof the connector member 1 and the rotation thereof around the axis are prevented by the insertion of the wing plate member 14 on the connector member 1 into the groove 32. Thus the illustrated connector member 1 is securely retained in a fixed position inside the recess 31, so that mutual engagement between a pair of casings 3 mounting connector member 1 may be securely and smoothly performed, accompanying with mutual engagement between the connector members mounted in the mutually engaged casings. Such an advantage becomes particularly remarkable in case where the connection is multiplied.

A casing capable of mounting a plurality of connector members of the present invention will be described hereinafter. The casing illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12, l3, l4 and 15 is hermaphroditically matable with another casing of the same configuration and dimension, and is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resins, and is formed by conventional method, such as injection molding.

The casing 100 comprises basically a connector member inserting portion 200 and a mating portion 300. The connector member inserting portion 200 comprises an upper wall 111, an intermediate wall 112, a lower wall 113, and a plurality of vertical walls 114 partitioning off the spaces between the walls 111 and 112, and 112 and 113 into a plurality of compartments 115. On the facing partition walls 114 of each of the compartment 115 facing grooves 115a are provided, extending from the entrance end 2000 of the compartment 115 to a shoulder 1156 (which is identical with the portion 33 in FIG. 9). Both on a ceiling, i.e., on the upper wall 111, of each compartment 115 in the upper stage and on another ceiling, i.e., on the intermediate wall 112, of each compartment 115 in the lower stage, a groove 11511 is proveided, extending from the entrance end 200a of the compartment 115 to a projection 115!) (which is identical with the portion 34 in FIG. 9). A sequestered portion of the floor of each compartment 115 is shaped in a concave form corresponding to the outer surface configuration of the aforementioned connector member. The mating portion 300 of the casing 100 basically comprises an extending portion of the upper wall 111, an extending portion of the intermediate wall 112, and an extending portion of the lower wall 1 13. The extending intermediate wall portion 112 and the extending lower wall portion 113 are provided with a plurality of fences 114a on their upper side. The height of each fence 114a is a half of the distance between both wall portions 111 and 112, or 112 and 113, and each of the fences is formed in such a manner that it extends in alignment with the partition wall 114 of the compartment 115. Each wall portions surface between two fences 114a is concaved in the same form as that of abovementioned sequestered floor of the compartment 115. Each of the under surfaces 111a, 112a, and 113a of these extending wall portions 111, 112, and 113 has flat configuration, respectively. The casing 100 is also provided with a further extended wall portion 111b located at the tip end of the upper extending wall portion 111 of the mating portion 300, two side wall portions 114 where one edge is jointed to the side edge of the upper extending wall portion 111 and another edge is jointed to the side edge of the intermediate extending wall portion 112 and still another edge is jointed to the edge of the outermost partition wall 113, a female hook 116 for mutual mating located on the further extended wall portion 111b, and a male hook 117 located on the lower extending wall portion 113 and matable with the female hook 116, two female hooks 118 for mutual stacking located on the outer surface of the upper wall 111, and two male hooks 119 located on the outer surface of the lower wall 113 and matable with the female hook 118. The further extended wall portion 111b serves as a guide when a pair of casings 100 is mutually engaged. The two side wall portions 114b serve as a barrier for preventing the mutual sliding of the paired casings in the perpendicualr direction in respect with the mating direction of the casings. A hole 118 is involved in each female hook 118 so as to enhance its elastivity or flexibility. As a result, the mutual stacking of a pair of casings 100, as described later, is easily and smoothly accomplished owing to its temporary elastic deformation during mutual insertion.

FIG. 15, illustrates a pair of casings brought into the ultimate insertion condition, in which the casing 100 shown in solid line is mated with another one 100' that is inverted 180 in respect with the former 100 and is shown in two-dotted line with the same reference character having one prime as that of the former casing 100. The lower wall 113' of the casing is inserted between the upper wall 111 and the intermediate wall 112 of the casing 100, while, the intermediate wall 112' of the casing 100' is inserted between the intermediate wall 112 and the lower wall 113 of the casing 100 and in the ultimate insertion condition, two pairs of the hooks 116 and 117', 117 and 116' are interlocked, so that the pair of casings 100 and 100' is closely engaged. In each of the comprtments and 115' of the casings 100 and 100, the connector members 1 and 1' are firmly mounted in such the manner described already with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, and the connector members 1 and 1' are mutually engaged each other in such the manner described already with reference to FIG. 6.

If more compartments 115 than the number of those in one casing 100 are required, two or more such casings may be employed in such a stacked manner as shown in FIG. 15, wherein the female hook 18 of casing 100 is mated with the male hook 119" of casing 100 along with the arrow. Each portion of the casing 100" is indicated with the same reference characters having two primes as that of the casing 100.

While specific preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent that obvious variations and modifications of the invention will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art from a consideration of the foregoing description. It is, therefore, desired that the present invention be limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An electrical connector comprised of paired hermaphroditic connector members of the same geometry matable with each other for interconnection of the paired connector members; each connector member having a portion for connecting a wire at one end and a tubular portion for mating with the corresponding portion of the connector member paired therewith at the other end, said tubular matingportion having two slots at the opposite sides thereof extending in an axial direction from said other end toward the middle por tion of the tubular mating portion for dividing into two semitubular portions at said other end joined to the non-slotted middle portion, to allow mutual insertion of the tubular mating portions of both paired connector members with one of the semitubular portions of each connector member inserted in the non-slotted portion of the tubular mating portions of the other connector member of paired connector members, said one semitubular portion of each connector member comprising a spring member positioned to urge the outer surface of the corresponding semitubular portion of the other 1 connector member toward the inner surface of the nonslotted portion of the connector member as a result of mutual contact thereof for closer contact therebetween at an extreme mutual insertion of the connector members, said spring member extending from an end portion of said one semitubular portion in an inclined manner into said non-slotted portion, whereby no substantial contact occurs between the outer surface of the corresponding semitubular portion of the opposite connector member and the inner surface of the other semitubular portion of the connector member at an initial stage of said mutual insertion, whereby the connector members are urged in the course of said insertion to move transversely relative to each other as a result of mutual contact thereof achieving said closer contact therebetween at said extreme insertion condition, the outer surface of said one semitubular portion being urged in close contact with the inner surface of the non-slotted portions of the other connector member and the inner surface of the other semitubular portion is urged in close contact with the outer surface of the non-slotted portion of said other connector member in said condition of extreme insertion the spring members of both connector members closely contacting each other in said condition of extreme insertion.

2. An electrical connector comprised of paired hemaphroditic connector members of the same geometry matable with each other for interconnection thereof; each connector member having a portion for connecting a wire at one end and a tubular portion for mating with the corresponding portion of the other connector member of paired connector members at the other end, said mating portion having two slots at the opposite sides thereof extending in an axial direction from the end toward the middle portion of the tubular portion for dividing the mating portion into two semitubular portions, at said other end joined to a portion non-slotted by said slots, one of said semitubular portions comprising a spring member positioned to urge the outer surface of the corresponding semitubular portion of the other connector member toward the inner surface of the non-slotted portion of the connector member in the mated condition of paired connector members as a result of mutual contact thereof, said spring member extending from an end portion of said one semitubular portion in an inclined manner into said non-slotted portion, said slots being positioned to allow mutual insertion of the tubular portions of both connector members with said one semitubular portion of each connecting member inserted into the non-slotted portion of the tubular mating portion of the opposite connector member, said spring member being located to inhibit substantial contact between the outer surface of the corresponding semitubular portion of the opposite connector member and the inner surface of the other semitubular portion of the connector member at an initial stage of mutual insertion of the connector members for ensuring smooth insertion whereby the connector members are urged mutually in the course of mutual insertion as a result of mutual contact thereof to effect a transverse relative movement thereof, thereby achieving said closer contact there-between at a complete insertion condition of both connector members, whereby the outer surface of said one semitubular portion having said spring member is'urged in close contact with the inner surface of the non-slotted portions of the other connector member and the inner surface of the other semitubular portions is urged in close contact with the other surface of the non-slotted portion of the other connector member and the spring members of both connector members closely contact each other in said complete insertion condition.

3. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 2, in which said tubular mating portion is elliptical in section.

4. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 2, in which said connector member further comprises means for fixing the member to a housing at a middle region of the member.

5. An electrical connector. in accordance with claim 4, in which said fixing means comprises a portion for stopping the movement of the member in one axial di rection and a portion for stopping the movement of the member in the opposite axial direction.

6. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 5, in which at least one of said stopping portions is a spring locking finger.

7. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 5, in which at least one of said stopping portions has a wing configuration extending in a plane parallel to the axis of the connector member in an outward direction normal to said axis.

8. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 2, in which each connector member is provided with a slit extending from an end of the other semitubular portion to an end of the non-slotted portion thereof for providing elasticity to said mating portion in toward and away from direction of said slit for smooth insertion of the connector members.

9. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 4, further comprising mounting means, said mounting means being comprised of paired housing members matable with each other, each connector member being housed in the respective housing member matably with each other in the mating condition of both housing members and being fixed to the respective housing member by means of said fixing means. i

10. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which both said housing members are of the same geometry. 1

11. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which said fixing means comprises a portion for stopping the movement of the member in one axial direction anda portion for stopping the movement of the member in the opposite axial direction.

12. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 11, in which at least one of said stopping portions is a spring locking finger and said housing member comprises a portion engageable with said spring locking finger when the connector member is housed in the hous' ing member.

13. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 12, in which the other stopping portion has a wing configuration extending in a plane parallel to the axis of the connector member in an outward direction normal to the axis thereof, and the housing member comprises a shoulder on which said wing portion is placed when the connector member is housed.

14. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which said housing member comprises a plurality of connector housing portions and a corresponding plurality of connector members housed in the respective connector housing portions.

15. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which said housing member comprises an outer surface thereof hooking means for uniting a plurality of housing members in a stacked manner.

16. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 15, in'which said housing member comprises a hollow portion underlying said hooking means for providing elasticity in the hooking means for smooth mating insertion. I

17. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which said housing members each comprise a compartment portion and amating portion, said mating portion of the housing member allowing mutual insertion of both housing members, when said paired connector members are mated with each other.

18. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 17, in which said compartment portion of the housing member comprises a plurality of compartments arranged side by side, each opening at forward and rearward ends of the compartment and housing said wire connecting portion and said fixing means of said connector member while said mating portion of the connector member extends forward out of said compartment, said compartment being defined by a first horizontal wall, a second horizontal wall and vertical walls,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CGRRECTION 3,789,3 8 Dated anuary 29, 197M I Patent No.

Inventor(s) Kazuaki Hirokawa et al It is certified that error appears in the aboveidentified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 9, line 55 'other" should read --outer- Column 10, line 54 before "an" ---on---- should be inserted,

Signed and sealed this 9th day of April 1971+.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD I-I.,FLETCHER,JR C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer FORM PC4050 (10-091 

1. An electrical connector comprised of paired hermaphroditic connector members of the same geometry matable with each other for interconnection of the paired connector members; each connector member having a portion for connecting a wire at one end and a tubular portion for mating with the corresponding portion of the connector member paired therewith at the other end, said tubular mating portion having two slots at the opposite sides thereof extending in an axial direction from said other end toward the middle portion of the tubular mating portion for dividing into two semitubular portions at said other end joined to the non-slotted middle portion, to allow mutual insertion of the tubular mating portions of both paired connector members with one of the semitubular portions of each connector member inserted in the non-slotted portion of the tubular mating portions of the other connector member of paired connector members, said one semitubular portion of each connector member comprising a spring member positioned to urge the outer surface of the corresponding semitubular portion of the other connector member toward the inner surface of the non-slotted portion of the connector member as a result of mutual contact thereof for closer contact therebetween at an extreme mutual insertion of the connector members, said spring member extending from an end portion of said one semitubular portion in an inclined manner into said nonslotted portion, whereby no substantial contact occurs between the outer surface of the corresponding semitubular portion of the opposite connector member and the inner surface of the other semitubular portion of the connector member at an initial stage of said mutual insertion, whereby the connector members are urged in the course of said insertion to move transversely relative to each other as a result of mutual contact thereof achieving said closer contact therebetween at said extreme insertion condition, the outer surface of said one semitubular portion being urged in close contact with the inner surface of the non-slotted portions of the other connector member and the inner surface of the other semitubular portion is urged in close contact with the outer surface of the non-slotted portion of said other connector member in said condition of extreme insertion the spring members of both connector members closely contacting each other in said condition of extreme insertion.
 2. An electrical connector comprised of paired hemaphroditic connector members of the same geometry matable with each other for interconnection thereof; each connector member having a portion for connecting a wire at one end and a tubular portion for mating with the corresponding portion of the other connector member of paired connector members at the other end, said mating portion having two slots at the opposite sides thereof extending in an axial direction from the end toward the middle portion of the tubular portion for dividing the mating portion into two semitubular portions, at said other end joined to a portion non-slotted by said slots, one of said semitubular portions comprising a spring member positioned to urge the outer surface of the corresponding semitubular portion of the other connector member toward the inner surface of the non-slotted portion of the connector member in the mated condition of paired connector members as a result of mutual contact thereof, said spring member extending from an end portion of said one semitubular portion in an inclined manner into said non-slotted portion, said slots being positioned to allow mutual insertion of the tubular portions of both connector members with said one semitubular portion of each connecting member inserted into the non-slotted portion of the tubular mating portion of the opposite connector member, said spring member being located to inhibit substantial contact between the outer surface of the corresponding semitubular portion of the opposite connector member and the inner surface of the other semitubular portion of the connector member at an initial stage of mutual insertion of the connector members for ensuring smooth insertion whereby the connector members are urged mutually in the course of mutual insertion as a result of mutual contact thereof to effect a transverse relative movement thereof, thereby achieving said closer contact there-between at a complete insertion condition of both connector members, whereby the outer surface of said one semitubular portion having said spring member is urged in close contact with the inner surface of the non-slotted portions of the other connector member and the inner surface of the other semitubular portions is urged in close contact with the other surface of the non-slotted portion of the other connector member and the spring members of both connector members closely contact each other in said complete insertion condition.
 3. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 2, in which said tubular mating portion is elliptical in section.
 4. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 2, in which said connector member further comprises means for fixing the member to a housing at a middle region of the member.
 5. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 4, in which said fixing means comprises a portion for stopping the movement of the member in one axial direction and a portion for stopping the movement of the member in the opposite axial direction.
 6. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 5, in which at least one of said stopping portions is a spring locking finger.
 7. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 5, in which at least one of said stopping portions has a wing configuration extending in a plane parallel to the axis of the connector member in an outward direction normal to said axis.
 8. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 2, in which each connector member is provided with a slit extending from an end of the other semitubular portion to an end of the non-slotted portion thereof for providing elasticity to said mating portion in toward and away from direction of said slit for smooth insertion of the connector members.
 9. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 4, further comprising mounting means, said mounting means being comprised of paired housing members matable with each other, each connector member being housed in the respective housing member matably with each other in the mating condition of both housing members and being fixed to the respective housing member by means of said fixing means.
 10. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which both said housing members are of the same geometry.
 11. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which said fixing means comprises a portion for stopping the movement of the member in one axial direction and a portion for stopping the movement of the member in the opposite axial direction.
 12. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 11, in which at least one of said stopping portions is a spring locking finger and said housing member comprises a portion engageable with said spring locking finger when the connector member is housed in the housing member.
 13. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 12, in which the other stopping portion has a wing configuration extending in a plane parallel to the axis of the connector member in an outward direction normal to the axis thereof, and the housing member comprises a shoulder on which said wing portion is placed when the connector member is housed.
 14. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which said housing member comprises a plurality of connector housing portions and a corresponding plurality of connector members housed in the respective connector housing portions.
 15. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which said housing member comprises an oUter surface thereof hooking means for uniting a plurality of housing members in a stacked manner.
 16. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 15, in which said housing member comprises a hollow portion underlying said hooking means for providing elasticity in the hooking means for smooth mating insertion.
 17. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 9, in which said housing members each comprise a compartment portion and a mating portion, said mating portion of the housing member allowing mutual insertion of both housing members, when said paired connector members are mated with each other.
 18. An electrical connector in accordance with claim 17, in which said compartment portion of the housing member comprises a plurality of compartments arranged side by side, each opening at forward and rearward ends of the compartment and housing said wire connecting portion and said fixing means of said connector member while said mating portion of the connector member extends forward out of said compartment, said compartment being defined by a first horizontal wall, a second horizontal wall and vertical walls, said mating portion of the housing member comprising a first extended horizontal wall extending forward from the front end of the first horizontal wall, a second extended horizontal wall and fences for isolating the adjacent connector members formed in alignment with said vertical wall on said second extended horizontal wall and having heights less than half of the height of said vertical walls. 